Estimation of RiskFinancial AnalysisUnderstanding Financial LanguageSpreadsheet AnalysisCalculating Cost of CapitalFinancial ForecastDeveloping Financial ModelsCalculating the Internal Rate of Return of a ProjectCalculating Net Present Value of a ProjectPricing StocksTrading in Financial MarketsPricing Bonds
Foundational Finance for Strategic Decision Making Specialization
Learn Finance to Understand a Business Strategy. Master An Introduction to the Fundamentals of Value Creation
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Foundational Finance for Strategic Decision Making SpecializationUniversity of MichiganWhat you will learn
Understand the sources of value of companies
Evaluate the cash flows of a project
Evaluate the risk of a project
Value a project and a strategy
To be able to understand and apply one of the two main building blocks of finance - Time Value of Money (TVM)
To evaluate alternatives
To make decisions
Skills you will gain
About this Specialization
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Understand and apply the foundational principles of finance to most business problems and strategies. This integrated set of courses focuses on both the theory and practice of financial decision-making through an applied lens. Ideal for learners seeking to advance their career and/or pursue a business degree, such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, a great understanding of foundational concepts in finance will help you to understand the principles of personal finance and investing. After successful completion of the four-course program, you will be equipped to make thoughtful decisions based on a framework built using multiple advances in modern financial theory.
Applied Learning Project
The entire program is constructed around real-world problems, both while learning various frameworks and concepts, and also in numerous assessments crafted to give you an opportunity to apply and learn. The fourth course serves as a capstone experience that puts everything together. This experience will enable you to understand projects and the strategic direction of a company.
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online courses
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Flexible Schedule
Set and maintain flexible deadlines.
Beginner Level
Some exposure, or an interest in, real world problems typically gained through a couple of years of work experience. An aptitude for numbers.
Approx. 4 months to complete
Suggested 4 hours/week
English
Subtitles: English
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online courses
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Flexible Schedule
Set and maintain flexible deadlines.
Beginner Level
Some exposure, or an interest in, real world problems typically gained through a couple of years of work experience. An aptitude for numbers.
Approx. 4 months to complete
Suggested 4 hours/week
English
Subtitles: English
There are 4 Courses in this Specialization
Time Value of Money
521 ratings
This course is an introduction to time value of money (TVM) and decision-making to help you understand the basics of finance. This course is part of a specialization titled “Foundational Finance for Strategic Decision-Making” and is helpful if you are interested in applying to an MBA degree program or learning the foundations of finance to be more effective in your career.
Decision Criteria & Applications
147 ratings
This course is an introduction to decision-making criteria widely used in the real world and will help you understand the foundational principles of how most organizations make decisions. This course is part of a specialization titled “Foundational Finance for Strategic Decision-Making” and is helpful if you are interested in applying to an MBA degree program or learning the foundations of finance to be more effective in your career.
Bonds & Stocks
216 ratings
This course is an introduction to bonds and stocks and how they are valued using the principles of time value of money (TVM) covered in the two preceding courses in this specialization. You’ll learn how money is raised by business to support or expand their operations. Since individuals and households typically lend money to governments and businesses, this course will help you make personal financial decision-making. This course is part of a specialization titled “Foundational Finance for Strategic Decision Making” and is helpful if you are interested in applying to an MBA degree program or learning the foundations of finance to be more effective in your career.
Risk, Return & Valuation
158 ratings
This course is an introduction to the notion of risk, its relation to return, and the valuation of projects and companies. This is a capstone course to help you value projects and companies by applying your understanding of time value of money (TVM) and cash flows developed in the first three courses of this specialization. This course is part of a specialization titled “Foundational Finance for Strategic Decision Making” and is helpful if you are interested in applying to an MBA degree program or learning the foundations of finance to be more effective in your career.
Offered by
University of Michigan
The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the refund policy?
If you subscribed, you get a 7-day free trial during which you can cancel at no penalty. After that, we don’t give refunds, but you can cancel your subscription at any time. See our full refund policy.
Can I just enroll in a single course?
Yes! To get started, click the course card that interests you and enroll. You can enroll and complete the course to earn a shareable certificate, or you can audit it to view the course materials for free. When you subscribe to a course that is part of a Specialization, you’re automatically subscribed to the full Specialization. Visit your learner dashboard to track your progress.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, Coursera provides financial aid to learners who cannot afford the fee. Apply for it by clicking on the Financial Aid link beneath the "Enroll" button on the left. You'll be prompted to complete an application and will be notified if you are approved. You'll need to complete this step for each course in the Specialization, including the Capstone Project. Learn more.
Can I take the course for free?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free. If you cannot afford the fee, you can apply for financial aid.
Is this course really 100% online? Do I need to attend any classes in person?
This course is completely online, so there’s no need to show up to a classroom in person. You can access your lectures, readings and assignments anytime and anywhere via the web or your mobile device.
How long does it take to complete the Specialization?
Approximately 16 - 20 weeks based on 3-5 hours of work per week
What background knowledge is necessary?
Exposure to algebra and a comfort level with numbers
Do I need to take the courses in a specific order?
If you do not have an exposure to finance, you will get the most out of the specialization if you take them in the order they are presented
Will I earn university credit for completing the Specialization?
You will qualify for verified certificates for each course, and the specialization, if you meet the requirements but, at this time, you will not receive university credit.
What will I be able to do upon completing the Specialization?
You will be able to value projects and companies, a key step to making smart decisions.
More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.
